so you’re cosmetic surgeryconsidering...so you’re m the essential guide for potential patients...

The Essential Guide for Potential Patients

Presented by Dr. W. Grant Stevens & Dr. Luis Macias Marina Plastic Surgery

4644 Lincoln Blvd., Suite 552 Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

www.MarinaPlasticSurgery.com

So You’re Considering Cosmetic Surgery

MODEL

http://www.marinaplasticsurgery.com/

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Deciding to have cosmetic surgery is a personal process,

unique for every individual. Most people considering

cosmetic surgery have been unhappy with some part of

their physical appearance for quite some time. For some

men and women, the goal is to turn back the clock; others

hope to correct physical imperfections that have affected

their self-esteem for years. And while it is true that

“beauty is only skin deep,” for many people, cosmetic

surgery can enhance self-confidence and body image,

strengthening their “inner beauty” as well.

While the decision to have cosmetic surgery is one you

must make on your own, there is information that anyone

considering an elective procedure should have. Once a

person is armed with information, he or she knows the

questions to ask and the things to look for. This helps

potential patients find a qualified, experienced physician

with a safe and comfortable surgery center, while creating

a foundation for realistic expectations regarding what will

happen before and after your surgery, including risks and

any potential complications.

This booklet discusses the important information you

need to know in order to make the best decision for

yourself. It also discusses aspects of surgery that can affect

your daily life, such as financing or payment options, how

WELCOME

SO YOU’RE CONSIDERING COSMETIC SURGERY THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR POTENTIAL PATIENTS

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WELCOME long to take off from work and how best to prepare for a

surgical procedure.

Thank you for downloading this booklet. We are sure you

will find it very helpful. If you have questions regarding

specific procedures or the practice’s offerings, please call

or email us, and we will help you get the information you

need. We can also set up a consultation to help you

determine if cosmetic surgery is the right option for you.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. W. Grant Stevens & Dr. Luis Macias

(310) 827-2653

[email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS


IS SEEING BELIEVING? 5 - 7

WORTH 1000 WORDS 8- 10

FINDING THE RIGHT SURGEON 11 -14

THE SURGICAL SETTING 15 - 17

FEES & FINANCING 18 - 19

SETTING EXPECTATIONS 20

YOUR CONSULTATION 21 - 23

PREPARING FOR SURGERY 24 - 26

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS 27 - 28

RECOVERY 29 - 31

MAINTAINING YOUR RESULTS 32 - 34

THANK YOU! 35

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IS SEEING BELIEVING?


So you’re considering cosmetic surgery. While it may

have taken a while to get this far, serious questions may

still be looming: How do you find the right physician?

How do you find the information you need? Who can you

trust?

Be a Discerning Consumer of Online Information Today, many people turn to the Internet for answers to

some very personal questions. But, how do you know if

you can believe what you read? What should you look

for? Where should you turn first?

While you can always call a surgeon’s office to get more

information, sometimes going online can get you the

general information you are seeking, immediately.

Your online research might include:

Websites. A physician’s website can be a nice

introduction to the doctor’s practice, but don’t let a nicely

designed website be your sole reason for choosing a

doctor. You need to meet the physician and staff, see the

offices and ask questions. You need to make sure that you

have chosen a physician with a solid record in whom you

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feel you can place your trust.

Before-and-After Photos. These photos can really show a

certain physician’s style and give you a good idea as to

what type of results specific procedures can deliver. We

recommend before-and-after photos as a way to help

educate yourself with regard to surgical possibilities, but

it is also important to remember that no surgical results

can be perfectly duplicated.

Social Media Sites. More and more websites encourage

real-time interaction and contain user-generated content.

Physicians are getting on Facebook to keep in touch with

their patients and share their stories with an expanded

audience online. They're also blogging about news and

developments in the cosmetic surgery field. Patients

themselves are using sites such as RealSelf.com to ask

questions and hear from others who have had cosmetic

treatments. It's a good idea to keep in mind that the

opinions and perspectives you find on social media sites

are just that – not necessarily 100% accurate and reliable

information. Consider the source when determining the

value of the advice you come across on social media sites.

Example of a Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/MarinaPlasticSurgeryAssociates

Example of a blog:

www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgeryinsider.com

http://www.facebook.com/MarinaPlasticSurgeryAssociates

http://www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgeryinsider.com/

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So, who can you believe online? Here is a list of resources

we trust…

The ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers online resources for both the physician and the patient. www.plasticsurgery.org

The ASAPS The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery delivers news on the latest developments in cosmetic surgery. www.surgery.org

Plastic Surgery Financing

A private site dedicated to educating potential patients about financing plastic surgery. www.financing-plastic-surgery.com

Breast Health Online

A website founded by a community of women committed to breast health.

www.breasthealthonline.com

The ABPS

The American Board of Plastic Surgery. www.abplsurg.org

The ISAPS

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. http://www.isaps.org/

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

http://www.surgery.org/

http://www.financing-plastic-surgery.com/

http://www.berasthealthonline.com/

https://www.abplsurg.org/ModDefault.aspx

http://www.isaps.org/

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WORTH 1000 WORDS


You know the famous saying: A picture is worth 1000

words. This axiom couldn’t be more true than when

researching plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments for

yourself. When you begin to explore different techniques,

procedures and physicians, you will have the opportunity

to look at many photos, including Before-and-After photos

that show patient improvement and surgeon results as well

as the benefits or limitations of certain procedures. Think of

them as a tool for visual communication.

Understand What a Procedure Can or Can’t Do. In Before-

and-After photographs you can clearly see what a

procedure can or can’t do. You begin to understand what

BOTOX® Cosmetic can do, what a chemical peel can do and

what a facelift can do. All three of these treatments reduce

wrinkles, but each does so in a different way, to a different

extent and sometimes to different parts of the face. You will

begin to understand the difference between an eyelid lift

and a forehead lift. In addition, you will more clearly

understand what each treatment can’t do, which is equally

important.

While photographs can be a powerful tool for understanding

procedures and possibilities, it is important to remember that

results can never be perfectly duplicated.

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WORTH 1000 WORDS


Get a Feel for a Physician’s Surgical Style. Make sure

you view your physician’s Before-and-After photographs.

While all surgeons have attended medical school and are

licensed under their state’s rules and regulations, not

every surgeon has the same education, experience,

capabilities or style. Surgeons sometimes have preferred

procedures and techniques, and often these will be

apparent in their patients’ “After” photos. Take breast

augmentation, for example. While comparing the different

Before-and-After photographs from various surgeons, you

may begin to notice that one surgeon’s patients tend to

have results with similar sizes or proportions. Not every

patient has the same goals. While the surgeons you

consider may all be very gifted and experienced, you may

feel more drawn to one style over another. This is

especially prevalent in rhinoplasty and breast

augmentation.

Bring in Photos That Show What You Like. When you

are ready to have a consultation with a cosmetic or plastic

surgeon, you can bring photos to show what you like and

your goals, as well as what you don’t like. This will

illustrate your expectations to your surgeon. It can also

open a dialogue between you and your physician to

ensure that what you want is realistic – one of the most

important aspects of cosmetic surgery treatments. You

want a physician to be truthful with you, not promise you

the impossible.

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WORTH 1000 WORDS


While photographs can be a powerful tool for

understanding procedures and starting a conversation

about possibilities, they have their limitations as well.

Photos, particularly from print media, can be altered and

not representative of a real person. Ask to see the results

of real patients, read actual stories about patient

experiences and ask to speak with real people.

Use photos as one of your learning tools. But remember

that no surgeon can promise to deliver the exact results

you may see in a magazine or on the Internet. Remember

to have an open, honest discussion with your physician

about the range of results possible for you.

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FINDING THE RIGHT SURGEON


Do not be fooled: Many physicians can call themselves

cosmetic surgeons, but that does not mean that they are a

board-certified plastic surgeons, that they specialize in

plastic surgery or that they even have experience

performing intricate plastic surgery procedures. So, how

can you know you are getting an experienced,

knowledgeable and certified plastic surgeon?

Look for Certification from Reputable Boards In order to distinguish doctors with specific education and

extensive plastic surgery experience, several boards and

societies exist to help patients find the most qualified

surgeon. The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

oversees the training of American plastic surgeons. When

your surgeon says that he or she is board certified, it does

not necessarily mean ABPS certified, so be sure to check.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the

only board out of 24 approved by the American Board of

Medical Specialties to certify physicians in both facial and

body plastic surgery. Created to help protect patients, the

ASPS regulates the quality of medical education,

designating qualifying requirements, regulating

comprehensive exams and presenting certification to

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those who meet the established requirements.

While certification from a reputable board can

immediately tell you that a surgeon has met specific

requirements, you should still ask any surgeons you are

considering questions about:

Their Training. Learn where they went to

medical school and performed their residency.

Look for surgeons who constantly expand their

education and improve their skills, or one who

has trained with other experts in their field.

Their Hospital Privileges. Where is the surgeon

permitted to perform surgery? Your doctor’s

hospital privileges let you know that he or she is

in good standing with the local hospital and has

met its requirements of conduct and training.

Their Memberships. Professional organizations

and medical societies often have their own criteria

for accepting physicians, such as ethical conduct,

board certification or specializations.

Your doctor should be proud of his or her schooling and

will often prominently display diplomas, certifications

and memberships. If you do not see any of these in the

office, ask. And don’t be afraid to ask very specific

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questions. Most doctors enjoy sharing their accomplishments

with their patients. About Dr. W. Grant Stevens,

Dr. Grant Stevens has been practicing medicine for 27 years, focusing on

cosmetic surgery for 20 years. A graduate with honors from Washington

University Medical School in St. Louis, where he was awarded the Senior

Prize in Surgery, Dr. Stevens completed his general surgery training at

Harbor UCLA Medical Center, then returned to Washington University-

Barnes Hospital where he completed a fellowship in Plastic and

Reconstructive Surgery. He is a board-certified diplomate of The American

Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of The American College of Surgeons

and The International College of Surgeons. He was appointed by the

governor to The Medical Board of California Medical Quality Review Board,

and he is on the plastic surgery faculty at UCLA as well as USC. Dr. Stevens

has been an invited visiting professor at Loma Linda University, The

University of Switzerland, The University of Denmark and USC.

Dr. Stevens is the medical director of Marina Plastic Surgery in Marina Del

Rey and Beverly Hills. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and has

been named one of America's Best Physicians in "The Guide to Top

Doctors." He is an active member at Centinela Freeman Marina Hospital,

where he is a past chairman of the Department of Surgery, a past chairman of

the Liposuction Committee, and a former co-director of The Breast Center. He

is also on staff at St. John's Medical Center and the Marina Outpatient

Surgery Center. Dr. Stevens is director of the Marina Aesthetic Surgery

Fellowship, one of just a few fellowships in the U.S. approved by The

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stevens has authored dozens of publications and

given scores of presentations in national and international settings. Learn

more at www.marinaplasticsurgery.com/cv.cfm.

http://www.marinaplasticsurgery.com/cv.cfm

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About Dr. Luis Macias:

Dr. Luis H. Macias is a highly-trained plastic surgeon, double board-

certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American

Board of Surgery serving Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, specializing

in aesthetic and complex reconstructive plastic surgery. A University

of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine alumnus, Dr.

Macias completed a residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at

the Mayo Clinic, followed by a fellowship in microvascular

reconstructive surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Closer to

home, Dr. Macias underwent further training in cosmetic surgery in

the USC-Marina Plastic Surgery Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship, under

the direction of Dr. Grant Stevens. Dr. Macias is a member of the

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of

Plastic Surgeons (CSPS), and a Fellow at the American College of

Surgeons (FACS), as well.

Using his specialized microsurgical and aesthetic training, Dr. Macias

provides Los Angeles plastic surgery patients exceptional technical skill

in breast reconstruction following mastectomy and body contouring

procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts, Cellulaze™ to treat cellulite,

and Smartlipo™. Dr. Macias is highly experienced in breast

augmentation using gummy bear breast implants, laser breast surgery,

power-assisted tumescent liposuction, and no-drain tummy tucks. He

is also trained to perform the breakthrough NeoGraft® hair

replacement procedure. In addition to seeing patients at Marina Plastic

Surgery, Dr. Macias continues to train chief residents in the

University of Southern California Plastic Surgery Residency Program

as well as cosmetic surgery fellows in the USC-Marina Plastic Surgery

Aesthetic Fellowship.

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THE SURGICAL SETTING


The word “surgery” often conjures up visions of hospitals,

but ambulatory settings – surgical sites not in hospitals –

are becoming more common. This is due to three things:

medical advancements, technological advancements and

economical benefits. As few as one in five cosmetic

surgery procedures are performed in hospitals. So, to

which will you go? That will be determined by your

procedure, current condition, surgeon, insurance plan and

you.

The Location Ambulatory settings, commonly referred to as surgical

centers or outpatient centers, have gained popularity for

many reasons, the first of which is that they are far less

expensive than hospitals. In addition, most ambulatory

settings have been created with the patient’s comfort and

convenience in mind. Physicians have gone out of their

way to create ambulatory settings that are beautiful and

warm, forgoing the austere, cold environment of a typical

hospital. Most ambulatory settings have a better ratio of

staff to patients so that the staff can be more attentive.

In order to determine an ambulatory surgical center’s

safety, make sure that it is accredited by a reputable

organization. Accreditation agencies develop rigorous

criteria that all centers must pass to ensure patient safety.

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Typically, these standards govern the layout of the

facility, safety procedures and enforcement, and patient

care as well as quality-control programs to ensure that the

center maintains a high level of performance. You can call

one of these three highly respected agencies to verify the

accreditation of your surgical center:

1. The American Association for Accreditation of

Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)

www.aaaasf.org

(888) 545-5222

2. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of

Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

www.jointcommission.org

(630) 792-5000

3. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory

Health Care (AAAHC)

www.aaahc.org

(847) 853-6060.

Accreditation by any of these agencies assures that

programs, policies and staff are in place for optimal care

and treatment.

Dr. Grant Stevens Inducted into the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

http://www.marinaplasticsurgery.com/plastic-surgery-news/news-stevens-inducted.cfm

http://www.marinaplasticsurgery.com/plastic-surgery-news/news-stevens-inducted.cfm

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Not all procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.

Some procedures or patients require a hospital setting.

And other procedures, while not requiring an overnight

stay in the hospital, may still require a hospital location.

Talk to your doctor to determine the best setting for your

procedure.

In addition to your surgeon, there are other key players

who will be present at your surgery. The type and number

of assisting staff will depend on the procedure performed

but can include:

• assisting nurse and recovery room nurse

• assisting staff

• anesthesiologist or nurse anesthesiologist

• esthetician (for non-surgical procedures)

Dr. Stevens and Dr. Macias perform most procedures at Marina

Outpatient Surgery Center but also have hospital privileges at

St. John’s Medical Center and Centinela Freeman Marina

Hospital. All facilities are fully accredited.

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FEES & FINANCING


There is no set cost for specific procedures. The cost is

determined by surgical method or technique, ambulatory

setting, staff required, anesthesia and the patient’s current

physical condition. There are many different avenues

people can take in order to finance their surgery.

All cosmetic surgeries begin with a pre-operative

consultation. This gives the surgeon a chance to meet you,

discover what you would like to change or enhance and to

hear about your expectations or goals. At the consultation,

you can ask any questions you may have about the

procedure, and the doctor can find out more about your

medical history and current state of health. After

determining the best procedure to fit your needs, as well

as addressing any unique requirements you may have, we

will give you an estimate for surgical costs.

At Marina Plastic Surgery, we work with many insurance

companies and we offer financing options.

Insurance Companies Many insurance companies do not cover elective cosmetic

procedures, but they do cover reconstruction procedures,

such as breast reductions and functional nasal

reconstructions. Those that do offer coverage may place

restrictions on what is covered as well as ambulatory

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FEES & FINANCING


settings or length of time covered in the hospital. Check

with your insurance provider to determine what your

coverage handles.

Financing We understand that just coming to the decision to have

plastic or cosmetic surgery is a big step for many people.

Once you have made the decision and have chosen Dr.

Stevens or Dr. Macias as your surgeon, we will try to help

you make your dreams a reality. Needing to take out a

loan for surgery is very common. While we don’t offer

direct financing, we can help you apply for a loan, as well

as work with your financial institution to provide needed

information in order to get the loan procedures started.

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SETTING EXPECTATIONS


While the decision to have plastic surgery is very personal

and unique for each patient, there is a common “chain of

events” that people go through leading up to the decision.

It usually starts with disappointment or frustration about

a physical attribute. This could be a physical deformity,

the way your body or skin is aging, the shape of a feature

or the balance of features put together. Then, there is hope

when you begin to believe there is something you can do.

Finally, there is the realization that there are treatments

that have worked well for others just like you. The

excitement begins to grow.

Possibilities to Actualities While the possibilities for improvement or enhancement

may seem endless to one person, they may seem difficult

to imagine for another. For either type of person, the key

is to have realistic expectations.

The more you understand both the strengths and

weaknesses of any type of procedure, the more clearly

you can make your decision regarding treatment and

create realistic expectations for your surgery. Your doctor

or the staff can help you clearly understand what can be

improved by which method and what type of results to

expect.

If you have made the decision to have a cosmetic

procedure done, why not support it with a healthier

lifestyle? Your actions can help the procedure last longer,

ensuring a vibrant, healthy, happy vision of you.

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YOUR CONSULTATION


All cosmetic surgeries and some non-invasive procedures

include a pre-treatment consultation. At the consultation,

Dr. Stevens or Dr. Macias will provide you with the

required information to ensure that you are fully

informed before going into the surgery. The consultation

is also the perfect time to ask any questions you may have.

Some people have questions they have been wondering

about for some time, while others may not even know

what to ask. So, how should you prepare for the

consultation?

What to Bring Dr. Stevens and Dr. Macias will want to know about your

current health condition as well as your medical history.

Bring your records to help provide the most complete

information, including allergies, prior surgeries, illnesses

and the medical history of your immediate family. We

recommend bringing any photos that you may have that

illustrate your goals or expectations for the treatment.

What to Ask In addition, the consultation is the perfect time for you to

ask Dr. Stevens or Dr. Macias questions about their

backgrounds and about the procedure, including

information about possible risks or complications.

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YOUR CONSULTATION


About the Doctor: You’ll want to make sure that the

surgeon has had a lot of experience performing the

procedure you are interested in. Find out how many of

these procedures he or she has performed and how often

they perform them. Ask to see patient Before-and-After

photos. Ask if there are patients you can talk to who have

had the procedure you are interested in.

About the Procedure: Find out exactly what happens

during the procedure. What technique will be used? Are

there newer techniques that you should know about? Will

you have incisions? Where? What type of sutures will you

have, and will they require a separate visit for removal?

Will you have anesthesia? What kind? Are there side

effects with the anesthesia? How long will the surgery

take? Where will it be performed? If you are interested in

having more than one type of procedure performed, ask if

the procedures can be combined into a single surgery.

About Recovery: How much pain or discomfort should

you expect afterward? How will it be treated? How many

days will you need to be away from work? Will your

movement be limited? If yes, for how long? Will you

require special dressings, bandages or garments? How

noticeable will your surgery be to others? Should you

avoid certain activities? If yes, for how long?

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YOUR CONSULTATION


About Results: When will results be visible? How long

will results last? What will and won’t be affected? Will

you need follow-up treatments? What if you need a touch-

up treatment or modification?

About Risks and Complications: What are the possible

risks and the percentage of people who experience

complications? What are the possible side effects? Ask

your physician to tell you about complications he has

experienced in the past. While this is not a comfortable

question, you should expect an honest answer.

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PREPARING FOR SURGERY


The decision to have cosmetic surgery is a decision to feel

better about yourself. So, what can you do leading up to

the day of the surgery to help support your decision?

Mentally, it’s good to have all of your questions answered

and to have sufficient information about the procedure to

make you comfortable. Physically, there are many things

you can do, as well.

Good Health It is important to be in good physical health before any

surgical procedure. If you have diabetes or are immune-

compromised in any way, you should get this under

control before your treatment. Both ailments can slow

down the healing process, and a compromised immune

system can make you more susceptible to infection. Talk

to your physician ahead of time to find out if there are

steps you can take to control either of these disorders.

Stop Smoking You probably think you understand all of the hazards of

smoking. While everyday side effects are well known, the

surgical side effects are very serious. Smoking can cause

complications during surgery as well as during the

recovery process. People who smoke have a tougher time

under anesthesia. Also, smoking restricts blood vessels,

making it very difficult for your cells to receive the

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oxygen that they need during surgery. Likewise, not

having enough oxygen can slow down the healing

process, hampering your body’s ability to recover.

If you smoke, it is recommended that you quit smoking a

month before your surgery. If you have difficulties

quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about treatments or

help that you can get.

Avoid Certain Foods, Drugs and Medications Over-the-counter drugs that include aspirin can thin the

blood, which can cause difficulties in surgery. You will be

asked to refrain from aspirin, aspirin-containing products,

vitamin E and St. John’s Wort for 2 weeks before your

treatment. Ibuprofen and non-steroidal anti-

inflammatories should not be taken in the 2 days leading

up to surgery. Some treatments may require avoidance of

other drugs, vitamins or minerals. Dr. Stevens and Dr.

Macias will give you a complete list of foods and products

to avoid.

Personal Preparation To make your recovery as pleasant as possible, it is good

to prepare your home and lifestyle beforehand. Your

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doctor can suggest many conveniences that may help you,

depending on your treatment. For people who have

operations that temporarily limit what they can reach or

pick up, moving needed objects from tall cupboards or

shelves to waist height can be very helpful.

You will need somebody to drive you home when you are

released after your treatment. You will not be allowed to

drive yourself home if you have been under anesthesia or

other types of pharmaceuticals. Also, we recommend

having someone with you for the first 48 hours after your

surgery.

The Day of Your Surgery To make the day of your surgery go as smoothly as

possible, be sure to follow all of your physician’s pre-

operative rules and guidelines. Arrive at the surgery

center bathed, but do not wear any makeup or perfumes.

27

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS


All surgeries come with some level of risk or chance for

complications, although the chances are very low. It is

important for you to be fully informed before your

treatment, and your doctor will go over possible

complications with you in full detail during your

consultation. This is also the time to ask any questions you

may still have.

Closely follow all pre- and post-operative instructions

given to you by Dr. Stevens, Dr. Macias or their staff. If

you have been asked to avoid certain foods, medicines,

drugs, vitamins or minerals, do so. If you are told to wear

a compression garment or refrain from certain activities

after the treatment, follow these instructions. They are

made with your safety in mind and to help your recovery

go as smoothly as possible. Read page 24 for more

information on how to prepare for surgery and page 29 to

more fully understand what to expect during recovery.

Scars There is no such thing as “scarless” surgery. If there is an

incision, there will be a scar. Dr. Stevens and Dr. Macias

take great care to place incisions in the most discreet

places whenever possible.

Each individual will scar differently. Some people will

28

RISKS & COMPLICATIONS


heal with barely a trace of an incision mark while others

may be susceptible to darker or raised scars. A minority of

people may develop keloid scars (bumpy scar tissue that

sometimes requires revision).

Scars have a long healing cycle. You will see remarkable

changes in your scars in the first 3 months, but you will

not know what a scar will ultimately look like for 12 to 24

months after surgery. Scars take a long time to mature. So,

while scars slowly become less and less noticeable, it is

important to remember that it may take a year or two

before your scar has completed its healing cycle.

29

RECOVERY


Recovery is an important part of the cosmetic or plastic

surgery experience. It’s important to take good care of

yourself, allowing yourself enough downtime and not

pushing too hard to get back into your normal activities.

As medicine continues to improve through new

technologies and techniques, surgery becomes less

traumatic for the body and people are able to recover

more quickly. Still, you need to give your body the correct

amount of time and rest before you resume all levels of

activity.

The recovery process begins as soon as the surgery ends.

If you had surgery under general anesthesia, don’t be

surprised if you are very cold when you first awaken. The

nurse will wrap you in a warming blanket to help fight

any chills. If you are having an outpatient procedure –

where you get to go home the same day – you may need

to stay at the doctor’s office or surgery center for a couple

of hours. When you are released, you will need a friend or

family member to drive you home; you will not be able to

drive yourself home. We also recommend having

someone stay with you for the first 48 hours.

What you need to do during your recovery will depend

on the procedure. Here are some basic guidelines.

30

RECOVERY


Basic Guidelines If your procedure takes place above the shoulders (neck,

head or face), keep your head elevated for several days,

even when you are sleeping. This will help minimize

swelling and bruising.

If your procedure requires a compression bandage or

garment, make sure to keep it on for the full duration.

Your body needs extra support, and the bandage or

garment will help minimize swelling.

If your procedure involved your skin, you may need to

stay out of the sun or wear extensive sun block for several

weeks.

Your physician will let you know when you’ll be able to

bathe, wear make up, do light activities and participate in

more strenuous activities. You may feel as though you are

an exceptionally strong and resilient person, but you still

need to give yourself the gift of time and rest when it

comes to recovery. Take it easy. Take it slowly. Treat

yourself kindly and, before you know it, you’ll be back to

all your normal activities.

31

RECOVERY


Cosmetic surgery procedures can help you look better and

feel better about yourself. Many people say that it helps

them look on the outside how they feel on the inside.

Others say that it gives them the self-confidence they have

been lacking or the courage to be more true to themselves.

Each person is unique and will have individual reasons

for having a treatment. But, once you’ve had the

treatment, it is important to continue to treat yourself

kindly and with great care. Continue to follow age-

defying activities such as getting enough rest, lowering

stress and eating healthfully. Follow your doctor’s

instructions. And, get ready for many, many compliments

on the “new you” – the you that has been waiting to come

out for so long.

32

MAINTAINING YOUR RESULTS


If you have made the decision to have a cosmetic

procedure, why not support it with a healthier lifestyle?

Your actions can help the procedure last longer, ensuring

a vibrant, healthy, happy vision of you.

Slowing Down the Aging Process Many people seek cosmetic or plastic surgery in order to

“turn back the hands of time” or to at least help them age

more gracefully. While plastic surgery can’t stop the aging

process, it can slow it down quite a bit, especially with

some help from you.

Protect Yourself From the Sun. The sun ages skin faster

than anything else. By breaking down collagen and drying

out skin, sun damage causes sagging and wrinkles to

flourish. In addition, sun damage can create unsightly

skin pigmentation irregularities, from sun spots to skin

cancer.

Drink Plenty of Water. Our bodies are made up of water,

and our cells need ample water in order to stay healthy

and function properly. Keeping your body properly

hydrated allows the body to function better, and it also

greatly influences your skin. From hydrating dry,

chapped lips to preventing fine lines and wrinkles,

drinking enough water can help to battle many signs of

aging.

33



Reduce Stress. This is probably one of the most

important subjects in health right now. Stress has been

shown to tax all of the body’s organs, including the heart,

but it also wears away a vibrant face. If you are stressed

out, chances are your brows are knitted together or your

face is scowling. The last thing you need is a matrix of

wrinkles on your beautiful face. Take preemptive

measures to reduce stress, and learn tools that help you

cope better. A happier you leads to a younger-looking

you.

Give Yourself the Gift of Sleep. Sleep is an important

part of our daily lives, but many people are not getting

enough of it. From hectic lifestyles and crazy working

hours to family obligations and incessant insomnia, many

things can rob us of needed sleep hours. Sleep allows your

body to recharge, makes you more alert during the day

and helps you cope with daily stresses as they happen. If

you are burning the candle at both ends, look for ways

that you can cut back on certain activities so that you can

get an extra hour of shut-eye. If you have insomnia, talk to

your medical professional about available treatments.

34



Eat a Healthy Diet and Maintain a Healthy Weight.

Being overweight makes people look older than they are.

On top of that, weight gain can stretch out skin and tax

the body – all things that can age us prematurely. Being at

a healthy weight and eating right allows our bodies to

function properly. Good nutrition helps to ensure that our

bodies are getting the fuel, vitamins and minerals that

they need.

35

THANK YOU


Thank you for taking the time to read this booklet. If you

have questions about plastic surgery, please don't hesitate

to contact us.

Marina Plastic Surgery

(310) 827-2653

[email protected]

For more information about cosmetic enhancement, visit:

www.marinaplasticsurgery.com

www.amommymakeover.com

www.nipandtuc.com

www.theperfectbreast.com

www.losangelesbreastreduction.com

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www.liposuction-southern-california.com

www.lalaserliposuction.com

www.losangelestummytuck.com

www.rhinoplastylosangeles.com

www.swallowthin.com

And be sure to check out our social media sites:

www.facebook.com/MarinaPlasticSurgeryAssociates

www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgeryinsider.com

www.chatwithcharlie.com

mailto:[email protected]

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http://www.amommymakeover.com/

http://www.nipandtuc.com/

http://www.theperfectbreast.com/

http://www.losangelesbreastreduction.com/

http://www.gummybearbreastimplants.com/

http://www.laserbra.com/

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http://www.nipplerepair.com/

http://www.liposuction-southern-california.com/

http://www.lalaserliposuction.com/

http://www.losangelestummytuck.com/

http://www.rhinoplastylosangeles.com/

http://www.swallowthin.com/

http://www.facebook.com/MarinaPlasticSurgeryAssociates

http://www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgeryinsider.com/

http://www.chatwithcharlie.com/

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